Ink Slab

瓦硯（陶硯）

At a glance — Art Object · Nara period, 8th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category: Art Objects
Period: Nara period, 8th century
Date: 701–800
Held by: Tokyo National Museum
Location: Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID: cobas-117727

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Same period: Nara art objects →
At this museum: All 1632 works here →

An ink slab is used for making liquid ink by grinding an ink stick with water. A brush would then be dipped into the ink for writing or painting. This stoneware ink slab likely had wave-like patterns on the surface, but they have faded because of heavy use. It was reportedly used by Prince Shōtoku.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Designation: Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), Government of Japan
Catalogue ID: cobas-117727 (permanent)
Official record: Japan Search — jpsearch.go.jp/item/cobas-117727
Holder's collection: ColBase — Tokyo National Museum
Photograph: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0. CC BY 4.0 licence

Cite this page: “Ink Slab（瓦硯（陶硯））.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-117727. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/ink-slab-tokyo-national-museum/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.

Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)